Trip relay bank



April. 7, 1970 H. SEIDEN v TRIP RELAY BANK 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April18, 1968 www@ o 2x L O o O E? if@ QDH s m@ "n h April 7', 1970 H. sElDEN3,505,524

I yTRIP RELAY BANK Filed April 18, 1.968 4 sheets-sheet 2 April 7,1970 eH'. sEmEN 3,505,624

l TR-IP RELAY BANK Filed April 18. 1968 4 shares-snee*h s Aprily 7, 1970H. sElD'N 3,505,624'

TRIP RELAY BANK Filed April 18. 1968 4 sheets-snee: 4

/NvE/VTOR JMLJLQ, 3i Sw@ @M1-4m@ +122 g ,Q4/Mw wfpac/ United StatesPatent O 3,505,624 TRIP RELAY BANK Herman Seiden, deceased, late ofSkokie, Ill., by Freida B. Seiden, administratrix, Skokie, Ill.,assignor to Bally Manufacturing Corporation, a corporation of DelawareFiled Apr. 18, 1968, Ser. No. 722,488 Int. Cl. H01h 67/02 U.S. Cl.335-107 16 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A multiple trip relay bankswitch to control electric circuits wherein, in an illustratedembodiment, a drive shaft carrying a rst set of spaced cams is coupledthrough one or more friction clutches to a driven shaft carryingadditional sets of spaced cams, the cams are engageable with a series ofmulti-pole switches having circuit responsive armature-controlledlatches and one or more of the latches controls the engagement of thefriction clutches. Other embodiments are disclosed including multipledrive of sections of interlocked cams from a single shaft withover-riding spring clutch control of any cam section.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention concerns the art of circuitrycontrol for use in computer, communication, electric sign, score board,and game board systems wherein multiple indicia are actuated in responseto known or unknown, oriented or random input signals and theirindividual or joint responses are recorded, relayed or momentarilysensed to provide intelligence or a desired mechanical result, includingmeans to erase or return the intelligence to a desired value or to zero.The invention relates particularly to the art of game boards and pinball machines and the recordation of the sequence of events taking placeas a bouncing play piece travels at random through a labyrinth ofelectrically responsive obstacles and bumpers.

In these and related arts it is known to use cam-actuated levermechanisms whereby through axial displacement of one or more cams on ashaft, a lirst or second series of contact levers can be actuated. Cammechanisms of this type are used in the controls for electric streetcars where movement of a control lever in one direction, operates arheostat to convey current to one or more drive motors and reversal ofthe lever actuates the brakes. Some automatic temperature controldevices are available which utilize cams to oscillate mercury switches.Various shaped cams are used to raise multiple pole switches in certainmake and break sequence, as in periodic switches for advertisingdisplays. Cams are used to actuate toggle switches to attain positivemake and break action. Switches to control appliances such as washingmachines, having wash, rise and dry cycles, employ cams with limitedarcuate pivotal action to effect cycle control. Switching sequences areknown in electronic computers to connect circuits in a predeterminedsequence so that power is supplied to both AC and DC circuitry forproper warm-up and shut-off under stable conditions without damage todelicate crystal diodes due to excessive voltages.

The prior art devices are not adapted for use where a multitude oforiented or random input signals are to be recorded, relayed ormomentarily sensed to provide an intelligence or a desired mechanicalresult. Furthermore thel prior art devices do not provide multiplecontrol or sequential control of a series of switches or relays wherethe operation of one or more electrical circuits can be made dependenton or independent of the happening or non-happening of a previous eventor the closing or openice ing of an associated circuit. The prior artdevices do not provide flexibility of construction or adaptability to avarying number of switching operations. Each switch is fixed in itscomponent parts and functions in the prior art. No provision is made forthe accommodation of two or more stages of input response from a controlcircuit. The instant invention solves these and other problems in theprior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention concerns a multiple trip relaybank of switches and the operating mechanism therefor adapted to controla circuit in a manner to perform any desired combination of functionswith an electrical apparatus. In one embodiment the invention provides atwo-part bracket assembly supporting a bank of switches and an operatingmechanism as a convenient unit for easy assembly and connection into anelectrical apparatus. One part of the assembly carries motor driven cammeans and the other part of the assembly carries the switches and theircam-operated latches; the two parts are characterized by interlockingassociated parts such that the switch assembly can be readily insertedinto operative position with the cams or removed for servicing,adjustment or change in the number of switches. The switch assembly isfurther characterized by the provision of multiple predrilled holes andtabs for quick and accurate placement of any desired number of switches,latches and latch release means therealong to accommodate any changes inthe number of functions to be performed by the electrical apparatus. Afeature of the invention is the provision of motor-driven cam meanscomprising a segmented shaft carrying the cams with one or more frictionclutches between the shaft segments and means for engaging anddisengaging the friction clutches, so that the functions controlled bythe cams of one segment are either dependent upon the occurrence of afunction or event controlling the means for engaging the clutch of apreceding segment or independent thereof,

Still another feature is the provision of a multiple drive on a singleshaft to allow sections of cams thereon to be operated independent ofother sections.

Another feature of the invention is to provide a plurality of individualcams having journals carried by the shafts which interlock one to theother in series between the spaced clutches or terminal ends of theshaft.

In another embodiment of the invention the latch means areelectromagnetically tripped against a spring bias allowing movement of aswitch to a first position before engagement by a cam for movement to asecond position, followed by return of the latch means and release ofthe switch to its original position. In still another embodment of thisinvention, clutch means are provided that are adapted to be held in aninoperative position for release to a position of engagement betweenshaft segments.

Accordingly, the primary objects of this invention are to provide yamultiple trip relay bank of switches and the operating mechanismtherefor whereby to control a desired combination of functions with anelectrical device. An object of the invention is to provide cam means onselectively operative shaft segments to either independently ordependently control a plurality of switches associated with each cammeans. An object of the invention is to provide friction clutch meansfor use between segmented shafts and adapted to be released by anassociated latch means.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an electromagneticlatch means for use in electrical apparatus.

An object of this invention is to provide an easily fabricated bracketassembly for a series of switches and cams which is adapted for easydis-assembly for adjustment, repairs or alterations of the functionsthereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The specific embodiment of this invention isshown in the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective (isometric) view of the switch trippingmechanism of this invention in assembled form adapted to be used as aunit;

FIG. 2 is a side view of one switch in locked position showing therelationship of a cam thereto with the electromagnetic coil unenergized;

FIG. 3 is a partial side view of a make-break switch in open positionand rotating cam that can be used in the assembly;

FIG. 3a is a partial side view of the make-break switch shown in FIG. 3in closed position;

FIG. 4 is a front partially cut-away view of the clutch controlmechanism and its associated switch;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the clutch control switch of FIG. 4 in unlockedposition showing the release of the clutch and the relative position ofthe cam thereto;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one form of cam and journal adapted tobe used in relation to a clutch;

FIG. 7 is an end view of one form of the cam shown in FIG. 6 and alsoother cam journals which are adapted to lock to an adjacent cam ofsimilar design;

FIG. 7a is a plane side end view of the cam shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, samealso being representative of other cams and journals in the series;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one form of the clutch housing;

FIG. 8a is an end view of the clutch housing shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view in partial section of ends of two shaftsegments contiguous to and within a clutch housing;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the juncture of two shaft segmentswithin one form of overrunning spring clutch assembly;

FIG. 11 is -a cross-sectional View showing a modied form of springclutch and shaft supporting assembly; and

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the overrunning spring clutchused with independent multiple drive sections on a single shaft, and

FIG. 12a is a dis-assembled view of the parts shown in FIG. 12.

Referring to the drawings, particularly FIG. 1, the assembly comprisesend brackets or plates, 10 and 12, having, respectively, base supportflanges 14 and 16 for ati tachment within a machine to be controlled fbythe assembly. A pair of longitudinal tie bars 18 and 20 are attached byscrews (not shown) at their ends to the brackets to hold same in spacedupright position. The bracket 10 supports reduction gear lbox 22 whichis connected to drive motor 24, in a manner known in the art. Suitableelectrical connections and switch means (not shown) are provided tosupply electrical current to the motor 24. The motor 24 has an inputshaft 26 connected to the reduction gear system within the gear box 22and the outputA of the gear box is directly connected to the drive shaft30 which is rotatably mounted in the bearing 32, supported by thebracket 10. The bearing 34 supported by the bracket 12 carries the lastdriven segment of the shaft 30. As will be described the shaft 30 iscontinuous or is made up of a series of segments.

The motor speed, amount of reduction and relative speed of the driveshaft segment 30 are subject to variation depending on the type ofapparatus or circuitry to be controlled by the assembly. The shaft 30can be driven for example at speeds ranging from about 1/2 r.p.m. to 60r.p.m. for the control of most amusement, computer and like devices.

A bracket bearing 36 is supported by the tie bars 18 and and has anupstanding ear 38 carrying the shaft 30 in rotatably supportingrelationship. The shaft 30 being discontinuous in the embodiment of FIG.1 has one or more spring clutches and bracket bearings 36 intermediateits ends depending on the particular switching functions desired. Thebracket bearing 36 can be placed at any desired point -along the shaft30 and preferably a bracket 36 is used adjacent each spring clutch aswill be described. The apertures 42 in bracket base 36 engage the tiebars in a snug sliding relationship to facilitate assembly anddis-assembly while at the same time, holding the bracket in an uprightposition.

In the embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. l the shaft 30 carriesa disc cam 44, having a cam notch 46 in its periphery, through the hubmember 48 which is press tted onto the rst of a series of journals orhubs 50 carried by the shaft 30. The end of the first journal has anotch 52 engaged Iby the roll pin drive 54 to hold the journal and theinterconnected series of journals in rotating relationship with theshaft 30.

The series of hubs 50 each have a radially extending reset cam 56 moreclearly shown in FIGS. 7 and 7a. Each hub has a central bore 58 adaptedto fit snugly upon the shaft 30 with no radial movement and to beremovable by sliding off either end of the shaft. Each cam 56 has acurved camming surface 60. These surfaces may be of the same curvatureor different curvatures on the different cams or sets of cams. The camsare aiiixed to one end of the hubs as an integral part thereof. Asegment 62 of each of the hubs is cut away at the cam end and a similarsegment 64 (FIG. 7a) is cut away at the opposite end of each hub. Thesecutaway segments are circumferentially off-set slightly, that is, thetop shoulder 66 on the cam end is displaced circumferentially on the hubfrom the top shoulder 68 of the segment 64 on the opposite end of thehubs. The segments 62 and 64 are of equal circumferential cutawaydimension. In the ernbodiment shown in FIG. 1 all of the hubs 50 andreset cams 56 are identical except the hub holding the cam 44, which hasnotch 52 instead of a cut-out segment at one end. Thus the hubsinterlock one to the other with the cutaway segment of one end matchingthe extended peripheral edge of the opposing hub. This displaces eachreset cam 56 spirally along the length of the shaft 30 as shown in FIG.l and locks all of the hubs together as a unit.

As shown more clearly in FIGS. 3 and 3A, the cam 44 operates thetwo-position switch 70 by movement of its peripheral surface against thefeeler arm 72 having a rounded tip 74. The switch 70 comprises asandwich of insulators 76 held together by the screws 78 (FIG. l) whichare alixed to longitudinal flange 80, and hold the feeler arm 72 inextended position to register on the periphery of the cam 44, along withthe spring arms 82 and 84 and finger contact 86. The spring arms 82 and84 are held apart at their extended ends by the insulating spacer 88.The upper spring `arm 84 carries an electrical contact while the fingercontact 86 carries an opposing electrical contact 92. When the cam 44turns to the position shown in FIG. 3A the tip 74 drops into the recess46 allowing the arms 82 and 84 to spring downwardly and close thecontact points 90 and 92. This two-position switch or a series of suchswitches can be used to control or produce intermittent signals i.e., tooperate light effects or a coin release.

Referring again to FIG. 1 and also to FIGS. 8, 8A and 9, a spring clutch96 is provided having a housing 98 carrying clutch ange 100, from whichextends the radial ear or pawl 102. The housing 98 has a peripheralnotch 104 at one end and an annular inner recess 106, larger than thebore 108, at the other end. The shaft 30 (see FIG. 9) is segmented andhas a retaining washer and a reduced diameter end portion i112. Theshank 114 therebetween carries the clutch spring 116 with the ends 118and 120 extending radially and circumferentially outward therefrom. Theshaft 30 has a segment 30 with an end bore 122 into which is insertedthe cup bearing 124 (of nylon, brass or similar bearing material)adapted to lit upon reduced end portion 112. The shaft segment 30 hasthe same diameter as the shaft segment 30 and these parts, whenassembled, assume the relationship shown in FIG. l0i with a modified hub50' carrying reset cam 56, overlapping the juncture of the shaftsegments. The hub S0' lhas a notch 128 which receives the end 120 of thespring 116 while the notch 104 in the housing 98 receives the end 118 inthe as- 4sembled position of these parts. The peripheral end of the hub50 ts snugly within the recess 106 and holds the assembly together.

As shown in FIG. 6, the modified hub 50 has a recessed segment 62, likethe balance of the hubs, at the reset cam end so as to interlock withthe recessed segment 64 of the next adjacent hub. The contour of thereset cam surface 60 thereon is the same as the other curved cammingsurfaces. Retaining washers and split washers such as indicated at 110are used where necessary along the shaft and hub assembly for spacing ofthe last hub in a series from a clutch housing.

In one embodiment (see FIGS. l and 1l) a pair of spring retainer cups1130 and 132 with interposed spring 134 are used between the last hub orretaining washer 110 and the end bearing 34. For clarity in thisdescription the shaft 30 which is connected to the motor drive will bereferred to as the drive shaft (motor) while the clutch controlled shaftsegments 30' will be referred to as the clutch-driven shaft, it beingunderstood that more than one clutch and one clutch-driven shaft can beused in a single tandem assembly. The motor 24, gear box 22, end platesand 12 with connecting bars 18 and 20 and the shaft-hub and reset camassembly just described constitutes a first unit of the assembly of thisinvention.

The second unit of the assembly comprises pivot brackets 138 and 140attached to back support member 142 having oppositely projectinglongitudinal flanges 80 and 144 (see FIGS. 2 and 5). The pivot brackets138 and 140 having forward opening slots 146 and .148, respectively,which are adapted to fit over the collars of bearings 32 and 34. Thelower edge of each pivot bracket has a notch 150 which registersl with astud 152 pro-l truding from the inner side of each end bracket 10 and12, to provide vertical support for the second unit. Thus, the secondunit which carries the various switches, armatures and latches, to bedescribed, can be removed from the first unit simply by lifting orpivoting the back side to disenga'ge the notches 150 from the studs 152while rotating the second unit on the end slots 146 and 148 and pullingthe units apart, whereby the end slots 150 disengage from the bearingcollars.

A plurality of spaced spring-support ears 154 (FIGS. 1, 2 and 5) are cutthrough the vertical wall of the back support member 1142 and aplurality of pairs of space detent holes 156 are located below eachspring support ear in the member 142. A series of L-shaped relaybrackets 1-58 having spring support ears 160 along their front edges areattached in spaced relationship along the back support member 120 beingheld thereto by means of stud bolts 162 and pairs of alignment detentlugs 164 which register with the detent holes 156.

The longitudinal flange 80y has a plurality of threaded spaced holes 166engaged by the upper ends of the stud bolts 162, wherever positionedtherealong and serve also to be engaged by elongated studs 168 whichextend through and hold the multiple switches 170 upon the flange 80 bymeans of aligned threaded holes (not shown) in the brackets 158.

The L-shaped brackets 1158 are constructed in various widths toaccommodate one, two or more of the switches 170 and its associatedlatch mechanism and spaces (as shown in FIG. l) can be left in theassembly where it is desired to limit the number of switching functions.

FIG. 2 is a cross-section taken along lines 2-2 in FIG. 1 wherein thefurther relationship of parts is shown to include the sandwichedinsulators 174 of the switch 170, holding spring contacts 176 in spacedrelationship adjacent lower or upper spring contacts 178 in a mannerknown in the art. Each pair of opposed spring contacts has a matchingpair of electrical contacts such as 180 and 182, aiiixed individuallythereto in make-break relationship. Additional spring contacts 184 areprovided with an electrical contact 186 thereunder, for registry with anopposing contact 188 on the top of certain of the spring contacts. Thespring contacts have their extended ends 190 bent downwardly andextending through holes y192 in an insulated carriage 194. The variousspring contacts 176 are biased downwardly carrying the carriage 194against the switch lever 196. Electrical leads for the circuit to becontrolled by the switches 170 are attached to the off-set ends 176' and178 of the respective spring contacts.

The forward end of each switch lever 196 has an upturned flange 198 forretention of the carriage 194 thereon, while the rearward end has a downturned flange 200 which retains that end of the lever within a slot 202(see FIGS. 2, 4 and 5) in the back support member 142. A spring 204 isattached between the tab 206 on the under side of the switch lever 196and the tabbed opening 154 in the support member 142. The spring 204biases the switch lever :196 downwardly.

On the underside of each switch lever and intermediate the ends thereofis an insulated catch member 208, held thereto by means of one or morerivets 210 extending through both members. The catch member 208 ispreferably formed of an electrical insulating plastic and has adownwardly extending tab 212 and a reinforcing corner 214, both moldedintegral with the flat base 216. The back surface 217 of the tab 212 iscurved outwardly and the bottom of the base 216 has an olf-set or step218 vvwhile the rear edge 220 of the base forms a step or shoulder, withthe underside of each of the switch levers 196. The underside of theswitch lever 196 also carries a retainer or stop member 224 attachedthereto by any suitable means.

Each of the L-shaped bracket members 158 has a pair of spaced apertures225 to receive the tabbed ends 226 of the switch levers 228. The latterapertures form a fulcrum point for the levers 228 while the slots 202perform the same functions for the switch levers 196. Similarly, aspring 230 attaches between the tabs 160 on the forward edge of theL-brackets 1158 and a similar tab 232 in the body of each latch lever.Thus, both the switch levers 196 and the latch levers 228 are biasedcounterclock-wise about their fulcrums.

The upper ends of the latch levers 228 have a flange 236 engageable withthe step 218 of the catch member 208 in a irst position shown in FIGS. 2and 5 and engageable with the bottom of the switch levers 196 againstthe edge 220 in a second position, shown in dotted lines in FIG. 5. Thelatch levers are moved from the rst position to the second position bythe electromagnets 240 positioned thereto so that upon being energizedfrom the circuit, under control by the device, the magnetic field pullsthe latch levers 228 so that the end of the flange 236 strikes againstthe stop member 224 and the body of the lever is spaced from and cannotcontact the core 242. This allows the switch levers 196 to pivotdownwardly onto the ends of the latch levers which movement and biasslides the iiange 236 into step 218. The electromagnets are held inposition by means of bolts 244 extending through the support 142 and theL-bracket 158. Each electromagnet has arl/insulating support 246, aspart thereof, which engages through apertures in the L-bracket 158 bymeans of tabs 248, to align same for easy assembly. Each cam 56 islocated in line with the underside of a switch lever 196.

The device of this invention can have one or more of the cams 56rotating constantly so that once each revolution, the switch lever israised (see FIG. 2), thereby raising the carriage 194 and performing acertain desired sequence of switching events through the contacts 186and 188, depending on how the spring fingers `are set. Upon actuatingthe electromagnet 240 the latch lever 228 is moved clock-wise. Thisallows the switch lever 196 to lower against the second position of thelatch lever 228 and perform a second set of switching operations throughthe contacts 186 and 188. Upon the next revolution of the cam 56 theswitch lever 196 is again raised and, with the electromagnetde-energized, the spring 230 returns the latch lever to its firstposition and the original switching sequence continues.

Referring to FIG. 5, in one embodiment of this invention where asegmented shaft is employed, and a clutch 96 having a clutch flange 100with a pawl 102 thereon, is used, the latch lever 228 is modified toprovide a clutch latch 250 on the front side with a flange 252 thereonadapted to catch the pawl 102 in its first position (252') and preventthe rotation of the clutch driven shaft segment 30. The switch 170 shownin FIG. 5 can have the same or different switching sequence from thepreceding switches in the series as described in relation to FIG. 2. Theprovision of the clutch 96 prevents the rotation of the clutch drivenshaft 30', and the cam 56, until the latch lever 228 is moved by theelectromagnet 240 -to its second position. This releases the flange 252from contact with the pawl 102, and, in addition to the switchingsequence performed by the release of the switch lever, allows the cam 56to rotate, in the direction of the arrow, due to the dragging action ofthe spring 116 on the shank 114. The cam 56 raises the switch lever 196to perform a second series of switching operations through the switch170. This action occurs for one revolution of the drive shaft (motor)30, and for each of the cams and switches carried by the clutch drivenshaft 30', because the raising of the switch lever 196 against thespring 204, allows the latch lever 228 to be returned to its lockedposition with the flange 236 in the step 218. In the released positionthe flange 236 strikes the stop member 224 and any static chargebuild-up is dissipated.

FIG. 11 shows a modified spring clutch to 'perform these functions. Inthis view the terminus 112 of the drive shaft 30, carrying the cam 56,-ts Within the nylon sleeve bearing 124 and the shank 114 is threaded asat 250. The bracket or bearing plate 36 supports the shaft through nylonbearing 252 adjacent to retaining washer 110. A bushing 256 engages the-threaded shank 250 with the washer 258 against the bearing 252. Theouter surface 260 of the bushing 256 is contiguous to the outer surface262 of the clutch driven shaft 30. The clutch housing 98 has a radialpawl 102 and recesses 104 to receive the upright end 118' of the clutchspring 116'. The next adjacent hub 50 carrying the cam 56 has a notch128 to receive the upright end 120 of the clutch spring 116. The nextadjacent hub l50 carrying the cam 56 has a notch 128 to receive theupright end 120 of the clutch spring 116. The hub 50' is the same asthat shown in FIG. 10.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 12A still another embodiment of spring clutchis shown to allow multiple drive on a single one-piece shaft wherebyeach section of multiple cams is operated independent of the othersections. Here the drive shaft motor 30 and the clutch driven shaft 30are combined in one continuous main shaft 300, supported at its ends bythe bearings 32 and 34 (not shown). A washer 302 is used between each ofthe adjacent sections of serially connected cams 56 and an adaptersleeve 304 is used where certain functions are to be omitted, such as,cam `44 (FIG. 3) and the associated switch 70. The main shaft 300carries the drive collar 306 by means of the roll pin 308 for continuousrotation therewith. The terminal roll pin drive 310 connects the shaft300 to the output shaft from the gear reduction 22 the same as roll pin54. A series of drive collars 306 with roll pins are used along theshaft 300 as needed for each cam section. Encompassing the main shaft300 is an elongated cam sleeve 312 which extends to the next washer 302or to the end of a cam series or to a spacer 304 along the main shaft.The cam `sleeve 312 carries thereon a series of cams 56 and their hubs50 in interlocking manner as previously described.

The shaft 300 may be constructed of a smaller diameter in thisembodiment so that the sleeve 312 can be constructed to tit the bores 58of the hubs 50. The clutch spring 314 encompasses the outer surface ofthe drive collar 306 and extends within the enlarged bore 316 of the hub50. The end of the sleeve 312 adjacent the drive collar 306 has alongitudinal slot 318 in which is engaged by the inwardly depending end320 of the spring 314. The: other end 322 of the spring 314 extendsradially outward beyond the outer circumferential surface of the hub'50. The spring 314 is in frictional engagement with the outer surface ofthe drive collar 306 and the outer surface of the sleeve 312 so thatwhen the shaft 300 is turned by the drive lmotor 24, lthe sleeve 312 isalso turned by the drive motor 24; thus the sleeve 312 is rotated alongwith the hubs 50 and associated cams 56. By engagement of the end 322 ofthe spring 314 to a stationary part of the assembly, this frictionalengagement is released or overcome and the shaft 300 continues to rotatewhile the sleeve 312 and the hubs and cams are stopped. Thus the end 322of the spring 314 can operate as the radial pawl 102 and 1027 in theclutch assembly shown in FIGS. 8, 8A and ll as shown in FIG. 5 whereinthe flange 252 is releasably engageable therewith.

In another embodiment a clutch housing such as 98 (FIG. 8) or 98 (FIG.l1) can be used with a slot to engage the end 322 and with a pawl like102 to accomplish the same function.

From the foregoing description of FIGS. 12 and 12A it is apparent that aset of parts comprising the spring 314, the sleeve 312, the hub 50 andthe desired number of interlocking hubs 50 are used for each clutchsection along the shaft 300. Also each such section can be operatedindependent of the operation of other such sections along the shaft.

Referring again to FIG. l, one mode of operation of the device can be asfollows: The operation of the motor 24 rotates the drive shaft (motor)30 and continuously rotates the cam 44 and all of the interlocked cams56 up to the bracket 36. Because of the slipping action of the cl-uch96, the remaining interlocked ca-ms therealong up to the cup member donot rotate. Each revolution of the cams sequentially raises the switchlevers 196, once for each revolution, and performs the desired switchingoperations through the multi-pole switches or relays 170, of Which threeare shown in FIG. l. Two or more switches, such as land 170 can beoperated simultaneously from the same switch lever, e.g., 196 as shown.Upon actuation of the individual armatures 240 of the switches 170, 170'or 170, in response to a signal from the circuit being controlledthereby, the second sequence of switching and relay operations of theircontacts 180, 182 and 186 occurs, through the release of the latch lever228 and through the engagement of the associated cams which move theswitch levers 196 and 196' from their lowered portions to the highestcam position, then to the released position, which can be back upon thelatch lever 228 in either of its positions, depending on whether thecoil 240 is at that time actuated or not.

The switch 170a is modified as shown -in FIG. 5 to include the flange252 for engagement with the pawl 102 of the clutch 96. Thus, the clutchhousing 98 is prevented from rotating and the spring 116 slides upon theshank 114 and the clutch driven shaft 30 `does not rotate. When the coil240 of the switch 170a is actuated the latch lever 228 is moved to itssecond position (see FIG. 5) and the pawl 102 is released, the clutchdriven shaft 30' is rotated by the spring 116 and the cam 56 along withthe other cams on the shaft 30 are rotated. The switch 170a and theother switches therealong are carried through their switching sequences.

With the replacement of the segmented shaft 30-30' of FIG. 1 by themultiple drive on a single shaft 300, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 12a, inthe assembly of FIG. 1, operation of any section of cams is madeindependent of the operation of the other sections. By these means asection of cams and associated switchesadjacent the bracket 12 can beoperated while all of the remaining cam sections between it and thebracket 10 are immobile.

The electrical circuits that can be controlled by the trip relay bank ofthis invention may have a wide variety of functions and be comprised ofcircuits of different voltages, e.g., 6 volt and 50 volt circuits. Thecircuitry for coin operated machines may include relays to controlstarting, coin chutes, anti-cheat mechanisms, the number of players,scoring, cam reset, tilt trip, the operation of solenoids and resetcircuits. In such a circuit there are normally open switches, normallyclosed switches, make and break switches and motor-operated switches.

The parts which may be constructed of plastic as used in the relay bankof this invention such as insulators 76, catch member 208, stop member224, can be formed of any plastic having good electrical insulatingproperties and resistance to the build-up of surface charges such asnylon, polyesters, polyethylene, iiuorothene, phenolics, furans Styron700, tetrauoroethylene resin and acrylics, compounded and designed forelectrical insulator applications.

From the foregoing description of this invention it is apparent thatthis invention concerns a trip relay cornprising a driven shaft mountedin a bracket assembly with a journal carrying a reset cam thereon inassociation with a relay, means to move the relay through a switchingsequence and means to selectively engage the journal with the shaftwhereby the cam contacts the switch moving means to accomplish amechanical result or electrical response.

Although specific embodiments of the trip relay, clutch mechanism andbracket assembly of this invention has been herein shown and described,it will be understood' that the details of construction shown may bealtered or omitted without departing from the spirit of this inventionas defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A trip relay comprising (a) a driven shaft rotatably mounted in abracket assembly;

(b) a journal rotatably mounted on said shaft;

(c) a reset cam extending radially from said journal;

(d) a relay switch supported by said bracket including a plurality ofspring-loaded contacts movable in unison through switching sequences;

(e) lever means adapted to move said switch through said switchingsequences;

(f) means biasing said lever means from a raised position to a loweredposition;

(g) latch means to hold said lever in an intermediate position wherebysaid cam on each revolution engages said lever and moves same to a lirstposition and said biasing means returns said lever to said intermediateposition thereafter for a iirst switching sequence;

(h) said latch means being movable to a second position whereby saidlever and contacts are moved to a lowered position for a secondswitching sequence upon the next revolution of said reset cam andengagement with said lever;

(i) clutch means to selectively engage said journal with said rotatingshaft whereby said reset cam is rotated into contact with said levermeans with the rotation of said driven shaft;

(j) and electromagnetic means to move said latch means to and from saidpositions.

2. A trip relay in accordance with claim 1 in which (a) said latch meansto hold said lever comprises a pivotal latch member.

3. A trip relay in accordance with claim 1 in which the means toselectively engage said journal comprises (a) an over-running springclutch having a coil spring frictionally engaging a drive shaft axiallyaligned with said driven shaft;

(b) a clutch housing encompassing said coil spring;

(c) one end of said coil spring being engaged by said journal and theother end of said coil spring being engaged by said clutch housing; and

(d) catch means to selectively engage said clutch housing to preventsame from rotating under the frictional engagement of said coil springwith said drive shaft.

4. A trip relay in accordance with claim 3 in which:

(a) said clutch housing has a radially extending pawl;

and

(b) said catch means being movable into registry against said pawl toprevent the rotating of said clutch housing.

5. A trip relay in accordance with claim 1 having (a) a plurality ofsaid journals interlocked one to the other along said shaft within saidbracket;

(b) each of said journals having a radial reset cam extending therefrom;

(c) a plurality of relay switches supported by said bracket;

(d) lever means to move each of said relay switches through a switchingsequence; and

(e) clutch means to selectively engage a first of said journals withsaid shaft whereby said plurality of journals and reset cams are rotatedtherewith in sequence against said switch moving means.

6. A trip relay in accordance with claim 5 in which 7. A trip relay inaccordance with claim 1 in which said shaft comprises:

(a) a drive shaft segment and a driven shaft segment rotatably mountedin axial alignment in said bracket assembly;

(b) a journal carrying a reset cam on said drive shaft;

(c) a rst relay switch supported by said bracket and connected to meansengageable by said cam to move said switch through a switching sequence;

(d)htf journal carrying a reset cam on said driven (e) a second relayswitch supported by said bracket and connected to lever means engageableby said cam to move said second switch through a switching sequence; and

(f) clutch means to selectively engage said driven shaft segment forrotation by said drive shaft segment.

8. A trip relay in accordance with claim 7 in which:

(a) a plurality of said journals carrying reset cams are rotatablymounted on said drive and driven shaft segments;

(b) said journals have interlocking offset matching peripheral recessesand shoulders; and

(c) biasing means to hold said journals in juxtaposition i v one to theother for simultaneous rotation.

9. A trip relay in accordance with claim 1 in which said shaftcomprises:

(a) a continuous drive shaft rotatably mounted in said bracket assembly;

(b) a sleeve rotatably encompassing said drive shaft;

(c) a rst set of interlocking journals each carrying a reset camrotatably mounted on said sleeve;

(d) clutch means to selectively engage said drive shaft and said sleevefor simultaneous rotation of said sleeve and rst set of interlockingjournals;

(e) at least one other sleeve rotatively encompassing said drive shaft;

(f) a set of interlocking journals each carrying a reset cam rotatablymounted on said other sleeve; and

(g) second clutch means to selectively engage said drive shaft and saidsleeve for simultaneous rotation of said sleeve and said last mentionedset of interlocking journals.

10. A trip relay in accordance with claim 9 in which said clutch meansto selectively engage said drive shaft and said sleeve comprises:

(a) a drive collar aixed to said drive shaft and adjacent one end ofsaid sleeve;

(b) a coil spring encompassing said drive collar and a portion of saidsleeve, one end of said coil spring engaging a slot in said sleeve;

(c) and catch means to selectively engage the other end of said coilspring to prevent its rotation with said drive collar and said sleeve. y

11. A trip relay in accordance with claim 10 in which said catch meansto selectively engage said other end of said coil spring comprises aretractible catch operably positioned in relation to an electromagneticcoil.

12. A trip relay in accordance with claim 1 in which said bracketassembly comprises:

(a) a pair of end plates;

(b) a tie bar holding said end plates in spaced relationship with theirinner opposed surfaces substantially parallel;

(c) bearing means in said end plates supporting said shaft at its ends;

(d) a pair of lug members on said end plates extending in opposedrelationship to each other and spaced from said bearing means;

(e) a relay support member comprising a longitudinal wall member havingoppositely directed anges extending therefrom, said lwall member havinga plurality of tabbed openings therein for the attachment of springbiasing means and a slotted opening spaced above said tabbed opening;

(f) yoke members aflixed at one edge to each end of said wall member,said yoke members having slotted openings adapted to encompass saidbearing means and a notched edge engageable with said lug members;

(g) a plurality of L-brackets detachably aixed to said wall member andpositionable under said tabbed openings, said L-brackets having one legthereof opposed and spaced from one flange of said wall member with atabbed outer edge to receive a spring biasing means whereby a pluralityof relay switches are attachable to said support member in operablerelationship with a cammed shaft supported by said bearing means andsaid relay support member is removable therefrom.

13. A cam-operated relay switch assembly including:

(a) a longitudinal bracket wall member having a flanged top edgeextending therefrom;

(b) a multi-pole relay switch having resilient down wardly biasedmake-break contact members with their ends attached to an elongatedinsulating carriage member;

(c) a switch lever pivotally mounted from said wall member at one endand having its extended end against and under the end of said carriagemember;

(d) a stepped catch member on one side of said switch lever oppositesaid carriage member;

(e) a latch lever pivotally mounted at one end to said llange edge andhaving its extended end against said stepped catch member;

(f) means biasing said latch lever into said stepped position;

(g) electromagnetic means for moving said latch lever from said steppedposition; and

(h) a rotatable cam member adapted to engage the extended end of saidswitch lever and raise same against said carriage member to move saidcontact members through a switching sequence for each stepped positionof said latch lever.

14. A cam-operated relay switch assembly in accordance with claim 13including:

(a) an over-riding spring clutch controlling the rotation of Said cammember; and

(b) flange means on said latch lever to engage said spring clutch in oneposition and prevent rotation of said cam member and to disengage saidspring clutch in a second position to allow rotation of said cam member.

1S. A cam-operated relay switch assembly in accordance with claim 13,including:

(a) at least a pair of said multi-pole relay switches each in operablerelationship with a rotatable cam member spaced along and supported byaxially aligned segments of a rotatable shaft; and

(b) an over-riding spring clutch controlling the rotation of each ofsaid shaft segments.

16. A cam-operated relay switch assembly in accordance with claim 13including:

(a) at least -a pair of said multi-pole relay switches each in operablerelationship with a rotatable cam member spaced along and supported by asleeve member on a rotatable shaft; and

(b) an over-riding spring clutch independently controlling the rotationof each of said sleeve members.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS BERNARD A. lGILHEANY, PrimaryExaminer H. BROOME, Assistant Examiner U.S Cl. X.R.

